CF Montreal will try on Saturday to achieve what it has never accomplished so far since its debut in MLS in 2012: win a match in the heat of Houston.
Wilfried Nancy’s team ranks fourth in the league with six road wins this season (6-4-2) and will also have the opportunity on Saturday to win three games in a row on hostile ground for the first time.
“I’m looking forward to this game, because I like the challenges in life,” said Nancy, by videoconference, Thursday. We never won there. It’s difficult. It’s very hot. They have a big lot and the lawn is made a certain way. It’s very difficult. »
The home team has won every game in the 16 MLS meetings between CF Montreal and Dynamo, except in October 2012, when the Montreal club drew a draw from Houston.
Nancy has very clear memories of the performances of the Montreal team at the PNC stadium.
“We always started in the right way, then after 10 or 15 minutes it’s the blackout, he said. The idea is to offer a good performance to allow us to bring back points.
” We will see. We are going to prepare something, ”added Nancy.
Less rotation
The Montreal head coach admitted to being aware that he seems to rely more and more on the same group of players, unlike the situation at the start of the season, where he could rotate his staff without ever suffering any backlash.
Nancy said she has spoken over the past few days with players whose playing time has been reduced throughout the season.
“I was a player and I know that when you don’t play, you are deprived of your passion,” Nancy said. It’s good to talk to the players who play, but I’ve learned that you also have to talk to those who play less.
“You have to be clear with them, talk about the current situation, tell them the things to improve. I have to tell them that I am aware that they are playing less, but remind them that they still have an extremely important role. As long as the players are there, I count on them. If I don’t want to count on them, I’ll go see Olivier [Renard, le directeur sportif]. »
Nancy reminded that the effort in training should be the same, in order to help those who play to maintain a good level.
Midfielder Joaquin Torres is among those who have seen less action in recent weeks. After getting 10 starts in 15 games between the start of the season and the end of June, he has since been in the starting lineup only twice in seven games.
“The only thing you have to do is work harder in training,” Torres said through an interpreter. I give 110% in training. This is the only way to reach the level where I will be able to contribute to the success of the team. »
The visit to Houston is CF Montreal’s last this season against a Western Conference rival.
Koné in the present moment
CF Montreal midfielder Ismaël Koné has admitted to having had discussions regarding a transfer to the club Norwich City, in the English second division.
“They came to the door, they made a concrete offer. Yes, they came to look at me, but we didn’t get along on the side business said the Canadian international from Ivory Coast when asked to comment on the rumours.
Koné, 20, has one goal and three assists in 18 MLS regular season games in 2022, including 13 starts.
He said he was grateful to have been courted by a European club, but stressed he remained in the moment.
“I don’t think about when I’m going there, where I’m going to be, etc. I focus on me, to become the best player possible and help the team, said Koné. I focus on now and that’s it. »